Best turntable for the buck

The Rega RP3 is a terrible turntable, I know that since I bought one 7-8 years ago. Tried a lot of cartrtidges from the Goldring 1042, Sumiko Blue Point Special Evo 2 and Dynavector 10x5, etc. It was so bad it almost made me quit analog for good. Everything was sounding thin, without body and musical involvement. The RP3's tonearm and the cartridges were perfectly aligned, I had the Rega TT-PSU power supply upgrade as well, it did nothing for me.

Switched to a Michell Gyrodec, the groove and musical excitement came back. A lot of upgrade potential with the power supplies, choice of tonearms, platter/clamp/suspension upgrades, etc. I also hear the entry level Dr. Feickert is a terrific sounding TT as well. 

But my suggestion, the RP3 should go, it's just a waste of time, money and space.

My recommendation on offer to any forum member, when there is an inquiry made about their options that can be considered for an item of equipment, is to suggest the inquirer attempts to receive a demonstration of an item that has become one of interest and not only use recommendations as their final guidance.

I very rarely recommend equipment on this forum, as I am not familiar enough with other Countries set ups to enable a demonstration to be arranged.

From my end, and governed by what I suggest is a valuable practice, my inquiry was to get a objective for the OP, as to what the suggestion would be for a Tonearm and Cart',  to be used with the suggested TT.

The OP has made it quite clear a 4K Budget was being considered to be allocated and a TT that surpasses that Budget by approx' 100% is the recommendation, how much would the Tonearm and Cart' add to this recommendation that is already far exceeding the OP's budget.

I was not quite understanding why the possessor an item that was being promoted through recommendation as a device to replace an already owned device, that has an equivalent function, was keen to guide towards a few comments by others that will undoubtedly be complimentary and not encourage the opportunity to offer a demonstration.

I have no concerns about the mention of the STST Motus DQ, I can fully see the benefit for the OP from receiving a demonstration, I'm sure they would much enjoy the experience. What I did express concern about was the missing encouragement to arrange for such an experience.

Even though too many miles from my home, I can experience and have experienced items that are sold through Ana Mighty, of which some are now on a list to be home trialed in 2023. I have also recommended the Companies Services to forum members who reside in mainland Europe.         

The main issue with my turntable is a lack of transparency, that I am getting with digital sources. The instruments don’t exist in a three dimensional space. The tone quality is fine
My hope is that new turntable in the 4K range will provide that. My cartridge is relatively high end and, I may be wrong, but I think the phono stage on my recapped Conrad-Johnson PV 11 preamp is adequate to the task.

Isn’t CJ known for the warmer side of neutral?

IMO, no. You should be able to achieve higher level of SQ for similar $ spent these days

I’ve noticed many of your posts that in essence, seem to question the positive results you may get by going forward and risking an upgrade.

I have always liked the SOTA Sapphire, you can possibly get a refurbished table direct from SOTA. Put Origin Live arm on it and away you go. SOTA carry a variety of arms and can properly fit your arm board.

Best

Jim